A loving word may heal and bless;
A timely word may lessen stress


A young woman tells of an experience that forever changed her view on life. When she was in the sixth grade the day came for the end-of-the-year parent/teacher conferences. The little girl watched as one-by-one her classmates and their parents were called into the office to meet with the teacher. However, this little girl's parents never came. She knew that her parents had not cared enough to be bothered and the little girl sat with embarrassment and anxiety. Finally, it was her turn. She entered the office and sat with bowed head too embarrassed to speak. Then her teacher spoke the words the girl would never forget. She said, "First, I want you to know that I love you. Next, I want you to know that it isn't your fault that your parents didn't come. Third, you are a great student and deserve to have your work reviewed." Then the teacher began to give that girl the same time and attention which she had given every other student. Because of this, that teacher gave to the little girl a dose of self-esteem that has sustained her well into adult years.

 



As a teacher, I recall many incidents where the power of positive words gave a "jump start" to my student's efforts to do their best. One scenario is still very vivid to me. Gary was a young lad that one might call a perfectionist. It was to Gary's advantage that his assignments be shortened so he could complete them and therefore feel good about himself. Each time I would encourage Gary to finish the shortened assignment. Then Gary would be given another small assignment to finish at home. Each time Gary completed an assignment his feelings of inadequacy and anxiety were exonerated. My words to him were always, "you are a bright boy Gary and as you practice you will become a little speedier." The important concept was not speed, but self confidence. Gary did learn to finish a full lesson on time. He was willing to work at it and I was there to encourage him.


Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. Though they do not cost much, they accomplish much. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image in other people's souls, and what a beautiful image. --Pascal


Proverbs puts it like this:

Proverbs 15:23, "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

Proverbs 25:11, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver ."

Proverbs 10:20, "The tongue of the just is as choice silver:......"

Proverbs 12:18,".........but the tongue of the wise is health."

Proverbs 15:2,"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright......."

Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Continued...